President's Comments

Presidential Pebbles and PearlsJanuary, 2013

While our lakes rest under inches of ice and feet of snow, we recall our memories of a past summer of fun and pleasure—all brought to us compliments of Mother Nature. However, our lakes need us to be ever vigilant to ensure that we enjoy many more fun and pleasurable days on our county waters. As I mentioned in my fall letter to all VCLRA members, over the last year and a half, there were five more water bodies identified with aquatic invasive species(AIS). None were discovered by lake residents. This is of great concern to VCLRA. Our best prevention plan to keep AIS out of our lakes is US—we who live on and use our lakes. We need to become knowledgeable about three or four species of plants and create a local plan to monitor our section of our lake. This, combined with other lake residents, will create a monitoring plan that will protect against invasive species getting a foothold. Early detection is easier and much cheaper to treat and control. There was never a time when our lakes were more vulnerable. We cannot become complacent and think that it is someone else’s responsibility to take care of the lake. If you dip your toe or line in the water, it’s your responsibility.

Contained in this newsletter is information on how to organize for AIS monitoring. An article by Ted Ritter, Vilas County Invasive Species Coordinator will provide a place to start. In June, VCLRA will be holding our “Celebrating Lakes Day” and we will also be providing resources for how local lake residents can protect their lakes. USE US AND USE THE VILAS COUNTY LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION OFFICE AS A RESOURCE!!!We can provide programs to educate lake residents on AIS and other lake-related issues. We can provide information on how to form a lake association or lake district.The 35th Annual Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Convention is April 9-13 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. For information contact: www4.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/conventions.

Also, in this newsletter is a reminder that membership dues and information for 2013 are due. We work very hard to keep our database up-to-date. We know this is a struggle because lake associations and lake districts meet at different times and make changes in their officers and directors. Help us to keep you current with the latest updates from the county and Madison by forwarding any changes to us ASAP. Also, make your organization changes on the University of Wisconsin Extension Lake List atwww4.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/lakelist/admincontact.asp.